Cleverly returns to light heavyweight, takes on Fonfara in Chicago

Welshman back at Light Heavyweight against hometown favourite

Nathan Cleverly will face Andrzej Fonfara at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago on Friday October 16, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Spike in the US.

Cleverly is back up at Light Heavyweight having faced bitter foe Tony Bellew at Cruiserweight in November, and the Welshman is looking to rule the World for a second time in the division in his third fight on US soil.

Standing in his way of making inroads in the 175lbs division once more is Polish-born Chicago fan-favourite Fonfara, who fights at UIC Pavilion for the 14th time in his career and is fresh off a stunning performance against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in April of this year.

With Cleverly’s status as a former World ruler and Fonfara’s stock rising with his impressive performance against Chavez, both men will be gunning for a World title shot if they land the win.

“I’m excited to return to my hometown of Chicago on this big fight night against a world class fighter like Nathan Cleverly,” said Fonfara.

“This will be a tough fight for both of us. Cleverly is a solid fighter and it’s no fluke that he was a World Champion and that he defended his belt so many times. Our fighting styles guarantee that everyone can expect fireworks on October 16. I want this fight to be a quick stop on my way to a rematch with Adonis Stevenson.”

“This is a major platform for me to prove that I am more than capable of becoming World Champion again,” said Cleverly.

“If I beat Fonfara it’s a doorway fight to the world title and establishing myself as one of the best light heavyweights once again. Fonfara is a good fighter.

He’s tall, has power and has moved up through the levels in his career. I am looking forward to coming over to Chicago and I am very confident that our styles will blend well for a really exciting fight.

“Spike has been the home to some of boxing’s most exciting bouts of 2015 including Marco Huck vs. Krzysztof Glowacki and Andre Berto vs. Josesito Lopez,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports, Spike.

“We feel this trend will continue as Andrzej Fonfara vs. Nathan Cleverly is an equally matched fight that will bring a ton of action.”